Section 4.8. Summary

4.8. Summary

Managing a project team has become increasingly more complex as we work with people of different work styles, different languages, different cultures, and different generations. We are expected to work in real time with people from around the world and generate cost-effective results to help our companies remain competitive in the global market. IT project management is a complex task that requires a solid depth and breadth of skills that include business, management, and technical skills. As a project manager, you'll garner far more success if you work to understand people a bit better. No doubt you've got a handle on the latest technology; you're in IT after all. But understanding what makes people tick and how to get the best out of people is often a skill that's neglected in the IT world. As an IT project manager, you need to find ways to get people engaged in the team and committed to a successful projectoften without direct or formal authority over your team members. Understanding work styles, cultural and language differences, generational and gender differences, and what actually makes a team perform well will set you apart from your peers and give you a huge head start on project success.